Sticks and Bonnets?

[Bugbear]

What kind and color of bonnet or hat would be best/proper for this specific outfit?
Also, what kind of walking stick would be best or proper to go with this outfit?
Thank you.

This is the kind of stick or cane I am supposed to use. Although, I'm not sure it's a legal requirement. I am trying to avoid using this cap with the kilt now.

* I removed all the pictures. *

[SFCRick]

I think that stick you have looks fine with your Kilts. As for a hat with your nice brown outfit, I think the cap you have on in the upper photo should look grand with the jacket and waistcoat. Nice touch with the pocket watch also.

[ThistleDown]

Looking very, very fine, Ted -- as always. If you really think you need a bonnet with this ensemble (for outdoor wearing, of course), I suggest a Cdn khaki. I've rarely worn one in lo these many years, but if you choose to, make sure that that the "tilt" is right: the right side about two fingers up from the top of your right ear, and the left side with the soft crown sloping 'way down over your left ear -- the ribbon brim should be almost touching the scalp-side of your left ear for you to be able to do this. Does that make sense? If not, ask.

As for the stick, I suggest something like one of the following. The first was made to fit my grandfather and the second I made to fit me, but you should be able to get comfort ideas from both of them. It depends on what you use a stick for and how comfortable you are in using it in the first place.



This one was my grandfather's and I only adjusted it for height to suit my brother. He (my brother, that is) likes the crown of the crook about four inches below his collar bone if he stands the stick upright. He needs to be able to comfortably lean into it, so if he moves the tip away from his feet about thirty inches, he is able to rest his relaxed two hands on the crook at about the bottom of his rib cage and lean ever so slightly forward and into/onto it.

In profile, to give an idea of "perfect" height for him, the top of the crook rests very comfortably in his arm pit. Not tight, not loose -- just comfortably.

If you choose a stick with a proper cow or ram horn, the horn should be formed to fit your hand with comfort. With time, the horn will warm to your hand and alter a bit in shape.

If you choose antler, it will not, but its rigid nature can provide a different form of comfort and reliability.

The one that follows I made to fit me and is the one I use most often her in BC. It is red deer shed antler, brass and wild cherry with a "whistle" for the dogs.



If I stand with it perfectly upright it is slightly above my collar bone. With my crossed hands on its crown it is just short of reaching my chin. If I move its tip thirty inches away from my feet, I can rest both my hands on it at mid-chest.

For me, that is ideal spectator height.

My brother and I are bar an inch the same height. These are our two main-stay sticks:



Both are exceptional for walking and hiking and both have been fitted with rubber and spike tips.

[Sionnach]

Ted, you look right fine in both photos. I think the proper stick is the one that will help you get around the best (and protects from jumping cholla.)

Regards

[Bugbear]

Thank you. I didn't realize I had the cap on in the first picture; though, we had to step back in very quickly to catch the piper. I have swapped the picture for a different one that I think I am holding the cane in.

These are the bonnets I have been pondering:

The Scottish Tartans Museum's Highland Bonnets & Caps,

I don't mind wearing a Balmoral, but I'm not sure I would be able to figure out how to place it properly... It might be that I need to plan on not wearing any headwear with the outfit.

[Bugbear]

Ok, I have switched out pictures and changed the order of them, sorry about that.

Does the Balmoral need to be worn so far off to the side as described with the other head wear, and is the navy blue the only proper color?

I'm trying to understand so I don't get it all wrong.

[Moosedog]

Ted, Balmorals come in a variety of colors. The ones from STM are quite nice. You can get a softer, less-structured one from Jas Townsend and Sons in...I believe navy, deep green, maroon, grey. But the khaki ones folks have mentioned are great, and although the color can be tricky, you should be able to find one that to match your carefully selected ensemble.
.
If it is a legal requirement that you carry a specific color cane (this used to be the case in some areas, not sure if it still is) seems like you could retrofit a stick. Just paint it white with a tip...

Moosedog

[Bugbear]

Thanks, Moosedog.

[Jock Scot]

Thanks, Moosedog.

Ted, don't get too fired up on all this matching thing. I think your bonnet can be any colour you choose. Mine, I wear with everything, is a beaten up duck egg green(I can't get that colour any more) or my greeny grey coloured thing(I don't like it much).Pick one you like and don't bother about it, after that.

[The Vicar]

Hello Ted,

I think that without a bonnet you look rather dashing.

I had no idea you had so much hair under that bonnet? Show it off! The wife agrees!

Unless the sun is an issue where you live. Out here we are getting into winter and I am not looking forward to the snow and ice of January and -30c in the kilt!

As for sticks, I think whatever you find that is comfortable and useful for you is the one you should go with.

Whatever you decide to do, I have noticed that you always add a touch of class to those us who wear the kilt so in the end what you decide it will look great!

The Vicar